When the weather becomes more pleasant in the spring, more people who own motorcycles choose to take their bikes out and enjoy the open road. Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for many people, and the bikers have the same rights to be on the road as other types of vehicles. Unfortunately, not all drivers know how to or care to share the road safely with motorcycles.
Most South Carolina bikers have extensive experience and know how to drive defensively. They know to be vigilant and careful because they are especially vulnerable to the large, heavy frame of a moving vehicle. Even with caution and the appropriate safety gear, they can still suffer significant harm in an accident. Many motorcycle collisions are the result of negligent or reckless actions of other drivers.
Fact about motorcycle accidents
Motorcycles are popular, but other types of vehicles significantly outnumber bikes. Estimates suggest that motorcycles only make up around 3% of all registered vehicles on the road. There are various factors that contribute to the number of fatal or serious motorcycle accidents, and distracted driving is one of them. Distracted drivers are much more likely to cause a crash that can be detrimental to people on bikes.
It is easy for a driver to miss seeing a motorcycle, especially when distracted. Since they are smaller, a driver may not see them when turning or changing lanes. Checking blind spots is crucial, as is giving bikes the right-of-way when appropriate. Many crashes involving bikes happen because a driver missed seeing a bike and sideswiped the bike or turned in front of it. Most of these crashes are preventable with vigilance and attentive driving.
Staying safe
As a biker, there are things you can do to make things safer for yourself as you are riding. Safety gear is essential, such as helmets, and bikers should know the rules of the road. Because of other drivers, you’ll have to be constantly aware of the actions of others and ready to respond appropriately.
In the event that you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by a reckless driver, you have rights. It is possible you have grounds to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. An assessment of your case can identify the legal options available to you, but you do not want to delay in getting the legal counsel and help you need.